The Allahabad High Court has again directed the Uttar Pradesh government to strictly enforce the ban on Chinese manjha, citing serious risks to human life and birds. The Court stressed that earlier orders, especially ahead of the Makar Sankranti kite-flying season, must be implemented without delay.
The Bombay High Court has ordered a Rs 25,000 fine on anyone caught flying kites using nylon manjha, calling it a serious threat to human life and animals. Vendors selling the banned thread will face a hefty Rs 2.5 lakh penalty, with police officers also being held accountable for enforcement failures.
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Uttarakhand Government to file a detailed report with site plans on illegal constructions over forest land. The court flagged alleged collusion and warned against continued encroachment on protected forest area
The Delhi High Court ruled that no houses or families can live on the Yamuna floodplains, even if the land is claimed as a graveyard or for religious use. Calling the situation “quite disturbing”, the Court ordered fencing, eviction of occupants, and strict action against all illegal constructions.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to stay its earlier order on the uniform definition of the Aravalli hills and to form a new expert committee. He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli range, with the mining ban continuing.
The Supreme Court said public criticism over the new Aravalli definition arises from perceived ambiguity and lack of clarity in its directions. The court has kept its earlier order in abeyance and will seek expert opinion before finalising the definition.
Supreme Court’s recent definition of the Aravalli Hills has come under scrutiny. Advocate Hitendra Gandhi urged the Chief Justice of India to review the ruling, warning that the ‘100-Metre Test’ may weaken critical environmental protections.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka said environmental activists in India are finding it difficult to survive due to lack of support from society. He stressed the need for stronger public backing to protect environmental and human rights.
Today, On 13th November, The Supreme Court has directed Jharkhand to notify 126 compartments as the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary and prohibited any mining activity within a one-kilometre radius of its boundary.
The Supreme Court directed Delhi’s Forest Department to file a detailed report on the 185 acres meant for compensatory afforestation. Justice Surya Kant said afforestation across 18 sites would be more “environmentally and equitably” balanced than a single location.
